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Latest news from the Sheffield Live! teams

Charity worker, “people need action not only words”

Prime Minister, Teresa May has outlined plans to tackle what she described as the “hidden injustice” and stigma of mental illness. The PM said there will be additional training for teachers, an extra £15m for community care, and a £67.7m investment into online services such as self-checks to help diagnose mental health in its early stages so surferers can get the help they need. Mrs May’s speech comes as she outlined her plans to use the state to create a “shared society”. Tim Jones is the founder of Sheffield mental health action group, a charity organisation where mental health surferers meet to socialise.

 

Marathon runner honoured with British Citizen Award

Ray Matthews of Rotherham, aged 75, has been honoured with the British Citizens Award for his exceptional contribution to the community after a series of fundraising marathons.  Matthews began the challenge in July last year to run 75 marathons in 75 days, and to raise  £75,000 to pay for a soft playground and specialist equipment for Newman School, a special needs school in Rotherham. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield charity strives to reduce everyday sexism in schools

The Development Education Centre South Yorkshire have released findings of their Gender Respect Education Project which grew out of the One Billion Rising campaign to end violence against women and girls. The campaign inspired women and girls, and men who support them, to come out on the streets of more than 50 different cities across the globe on 14 February 2013 in a life affirming demonstration of dance, banners and testimonies. The three year Gender Respect Education Project sought to help children and young people to understand, question and challenge gender inequality and violence in a local and global context. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with Helen Griffin, education officer at DECSY.

Independent Police Complaints Commission launch inquiry into Penistone Road death

The Independent Police Complaints Commission have launch an inquiry into the death of a man who was hit by a marked police car on Penistone Road in Sheffield. The 70-year-old, who has not been named, was hit by the Vauxhall Astra on Penistone Road at its junction with Bradfield Road at 18:20 GMT on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene and South Yorkshire Police said an investigation into the circumstances of the collision was under way. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Palestine campaigners call to boycott HP in Sheffield protest

Members of Sheffield Palestine Solidarity Campaign picketed the Staples store, Eyre Street, in a call to stop the sale of HP products, part of a wider boycott campaign to defend Palestinian rights. Campaigners claim HP is providing technologies to the Israeli government that are used in oppressive practices and in breach of international law. Invited to comment, an HP spokesperson said: “HP has been strongly committed to socially responsible business practices throughout its 75 year history. It is not our policy to take sides in political disputes between countries or regions. Instead, we focus on making the best products we can to help improve the lives of people around the world.” Sham Powell reports for Sheffield Live!

Tree campaigners form yellow ribbon around Sheffield Town Hall

Campaigners to save Sheffield trees circled the Town Hall to form a human ribbon as part of the latest rally against the Council’s tree felling programme. Hundreds of people turned out in support of Sheffield Tree Action Group, many wearing yellow clothes to symbolise the yellow ribbons that are wrapped around the 20,000 trees scheduled to be removed by City Council contractor, Amey. Sham Powell reports for Sheffield Live!

Winners announced at Sheffield’s international junior squash tournament

Denis Gilevskiy, the first Irish finalist since 1920, was among the winners at the British Junior Open Squash Championship held in Sheffield this week. The competition is one of the most prestigious events in the junior squash calendar with the best young players from around the world battling it out for the coveted titles. Held annually in Sheffield across three venues the championship attracts more than four hundred competitors representing over thirty nations. The titles include eight age categories from under 13s to under 19s for both boys and girls. Sheffield Live! reporter Sham Powell spoke to under 13s boys championship winner, Denis Gilevskiy.

Council defends tree removal programme

Councillor Bryan Lodge, Cabinet Member for Environment has defended Sheffield Council’s controversial tree removal policy at this week’s council meeting. The programme has led to resident protests and has been criticised by tree management specialists. Barrell Tree Consultancy’s managing director, Jeremy Barrell, said: “From a health and safety point of view they are fine – none of them need to come out. We have to make sure this doesn’t happen anywhere else”. Sham Powell reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield United: Samir Carruthers delighted to sign with Blades

New Sheffield United signing Samir Carruthers has said he is delighted to have joined the club after two spells with MK Dons. The 23-year-old whose contract at MK Dons was due to expire in the summer, has agreed a three and a half year contract with Sheffield United after completing all medical checks. Carruthers scored six goals in 137 games for MK dons. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind celebrate World Braille Day

Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind are commemorating the birth of Louis Braille on the 4th January 1809 creator of the Braille system for reading by touch. In 1829 Braille published his ‘Method of Writing Words, Music and Plain Songs by means of dots for the blind’. Braille is still commonly used around the world by blind and partially sighted people. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!